What is NMA and why is it important?

Network meta-analysis (NMA) has emerged as a leading technique for comparing three or more options simultaneously in a single analysis. Whilst many may not be directly responsible for performing NMA, this emerging methodology is becoming increasingly important within the healthcare field and more directly for clinicians. Understanding the principles for NMA will become fundamental for many within the clinical and academic fields as journals increasingly publish NMA research articles (JHI recently released a NMA research article on “the effectiveness of mouth-rinses against COVID-19” in their September issue).

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at clinicians and clinical scientists who wish to read and understand published NMAs. Although the course is tailored for an infection prevention and control audience, the principles and concepts discussed will be applicable in wider contexts.

How is the course delivered?

The course will be delivered online via Zoom by members of the HIS team with experience in planning and performing NMAs. Participant numbers will be capped to ensure an interactive and audience-led format, with question/answer and practical sessions being integrated into the course programme throughout the day.

Note: this course is not designed to equip participants with in-depth knowledge and skills needed for performing NMA independently. 

Learning outcomes

Participants who have completed this course should be able to:

• describe the objectives of network meta-analysis (NMA) and why it is becoming increasingly prevalent in clinical research
• identify features common to both NMA and pairwise meta-analysis
• identify characteristics and assumptions of NMA that distinguish it from pairwise meta-analysis
• recognize a variety of approaches to performing NMA
• undertake high-level interpretation and critique of published NMAs.

Accreditation will be sought from the Royal College of Pathologists for 6 CPD credits. A certificate of attendance will be provided after the event for delegates who attend the full day.